What would you do if you weren’t afraid? That’s the question Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg asks in her bestselling book, “Lean In.”

We met with Sandberg when she was the keynote for the Professional BusinessWomen of California Conference in San Francisco on May 23. Just as she did in her runaway hit TedTalk in 2010, she charmed the 4,000+ women who packed the Moscone Center for a day of workshops, seminars, and Lean In Circles. Scroll down to learn about Sandberg’s insights.

How are you leaning in? That’s the question we asked our Inkandescent Speakers, clients, columnists, colleagues, and friends. Their responses are below, as well as in our “June Tips for Entrepreneurs column.”

Also in this issue:

• Lee Woodruff debuts her first novel, “Those We Love Most.” This gripping drama reminds us of the experience she had when her husband, ABC News Anchor Bob Woodruff, was nearly killed when he was on assignment covering the War in Iraq. In this book she asks, “When the ties that bind us to those we love most are strained or broken, how do we pick up the pieces?”

• CA Congresswoman Jackie Speier has survived tragedy, achieved greatness, and shown us what it means to lean in against all odds. Don’t miss our interview.

• BeGood Clothes founders Dean Ramadan and Mark Spera say: “Change your clothes. Change the world.” Here’s how these young, San Francisco entrepreneurs are making a difference.

• VCU Arts Professor Robert Meganck has been leaning into his career since he got into the illustration and design business four decades ago. Now, he’s teaching thousands of art students to do the same. Shana Meganck is Robert’s daughter, whose art is finding the best restaurants in her native Richmond. This foodie names five of her favorite hotspots that you’ll want to lean into when you’re in the capital of the Commonwealth.

Sir Richard Branson says: “If you believe as I do that we need equality in the boardroom, ‘Lean In’ is essential reading for anyone interested in righting the injustices we’ve accepted.”

Here’s to leaning in! What do you have to lose? — Hope Katz Gibbs, publisher, Be Inkandescent magazine